Old french boy names: Classic and Stylish Baby Boy Names of French Origin

The roots of history reach deep with sturdy old french boy names that feel novel and new today. Courtly Charles, noble Henri, and gallant Louis endure while choices like Aubert, Evrard, and Reymond wait ready for revival. Refresh regional spins too, like Español Javier becoming Xavier. For more inventive twists, revisit tradition with vintage nickname Rémi, shorten Alexandre to Sasha, or blend cultures with an Italian Luigi-Louis. However you remix, versatile old french boy names link eras with vintage vogue.

Adam: Means "man" or "earth" in Hebrew. Adam is a classic name that has been used since the Middle Ages in France. It is associated with the biblical Adam, the first man created by God in the Garden of Eden.

Alain: Derived from the old German word al, meaning “all,” and the word “an” meaning “stone.” So it refers to someone strong as a stone. It was popular during medieval times in France and England.

Alexandre: The French form of Alexander, meaning "defender of mankind" from the Greek elements alexo “to defend” and aner “man.” Alexandre was famous due to Alexander the Great and has remained popular through the centuries.

Amaury: From the German Amalric, meaning “work and rule.” It was the name of a French crusader knight in the 12th century and several subsequent nobles. It conveys industriousness and leadership.

Aubin: From Albinus, the Latinized form of the French Aubin, meaning “white-haired.” It was the name of a 6th century French monk and bishop who founded a monastery. It suggests innocence and purity.

Blaise: From the Roman name Blasius meaning “lisping” or “stuttering.” Blaise was the name of a 4th century bishop and martyr. An unusual name in medieval France that suggests nonconformity.

Brice: Means “speckled” or “freckled” from the Old French briche. Saint Brice was a 5th century French bishop. An interesting option for a red-headed boy.

Charles: From the Germanic name Karl, meaning “free man.” Charles was the name of medieval kings of France starting in the 8th century, giving it a noble, royal sense.

Christian: Simply meaning “follower of Christ,” from Greek. Christian was used moderately as a boy's name in medieval France due to the central role of Christianity.

Claude: From the Roman name Claudius, meaning “lame” or “crippled.” Saint Claude was a 7th century French monk. Despite its meaning, it has an appealing French flair.

Clement: From the Late Latin Clemens meaning “merciful.” Clement was an early pope and martyr. A virtuous, moral name in France for centuries.

Daniel: Hebrew name meaning "God is my judge." Daniel was a Hebrew prophet in the Old Testament who lived in France in exile. An ancient, cross-cultural name choice.

Denis: From Dionysus, referencing Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. Saint Denis was 3rd century Christian martyred in France. It captures ancient Greek history mixed with French Christian.

Edmond: From the Old English elements ead, meaning “wealth, fortune” and mund “protector.” Borne by medieval kings. Symbolizes prosperity and safety.

Etienne: French form of Stephen from the Greek stephanos “crown." Saint Étienne was an early Christian martyr in France. Represents holiness and sacrifice.

Fabien: Derived from the Latin name Fabianus, the meaning of which is debated, possibly "bean." Regardless, a charming, quintessentially French name for centuries.

Felix: From a Roman family name meaning “happy” or “lucky” in Latin. Felix is upbeat and eclectic name that was used as early as the 5th century in France.

Florian: Originally from the Roman name Florianus, derived from flos meaning “flower.” A fresher spin floral names popular medieval times onward in France.

Gabriel: Hebrew name meaning "God is my strength." Archangel Gabriel is known for revealing information about Jesus's birth. An epitome of godly power combined with tender mercy.

Gaspard: Persian name meaning "treasurer." One of the biblical Magi, Gaspard visited baby Jesus with gifts making it fitting for winter babies. Sounds exotic, yet classic French.

Giles: Medieval variant of the Greek name Aegidius from aigidion “kid, young goat” Symbols of purity, innocence, and sacrifice in Christian lore. Popular due to 8th century French martyr Saint Giles.

Guillaume: Norman French variant of William, originally from the German Wilhelm, comprising the elements wil "will, desire" and helm “helmet.” Connotes strong will and protection. Several medieval kings bore this noble name.

Guy: Derived from medieval French form of the Germanic name Wido, "wood" or "wide" An interesting spin on popular French surname as first name because of its simple, subtle meaning.

Hardouin: Germanic name meaning “strong friend” or “brave friend.” Used by medieval French nobility. Evokes courage, loyalty and tenacity balanced by warmth.

Henri: French form of Henry, from Germanic heim "home" and ric "power." Henri was the name of France's Henri IV, known as "Henry the Great," giving it an aura of greatness.

Hugo: From Hugh, the Old French form of the Germanic Hug “heart and mind.” Writer Victor Hugo popularized it in 19th century France, but dates back much earlier. Loveable, emotive, and quintessentially French.

Jacques: Medieval French form James, from Iacomus the Late Latin form of Iakobos the New Testament Greek form of the Hebrew name Jacob. Iconic French feel from centuries of use.

Jean: French form of John from the Hebrew Yochanan via Latin Johannes meaning “Yahweh is gracious.” Simple, strong, and ubiquitous among French names for boys throughout history.

Jules: French form of Julius, from Greek meaning “downy-bearded.” Sounds sophisticated yet approachable. Author Jules Verne helped boost its popularity in 19th century France onward.

Laurent: French form of Lawrence, from Roman surname Laurentius meaning “from Laurentum.” Saint Laurent, martyred in France in the 3 century, cemented its longtime French connection.

Léon: French form Leon, meaning “lion” derived from Greek leukos. Bold, brave imagery from medieval times onward. Nineteenth century author Léon Bloy continued its popularity.

Louis: From the Old Frankish Chlodowig, the basis of modern Ludwig. Many French kings named Louis, ratifying it as intrinsically French. Plus, easy to pronounce in most languages.

Lucien: Related to Luke, though its meaning is debated. May mean "light" or "illumination." A softer spin on Lucius, on trend with French baby name trends leaning shorter, genteel.

Marcel: Little known meaning, possibly "young warrior.” Saint Marcel was a 4th century bishop in Paris reinforcing its French identity. Soft sounds make it an intriguing, unexpected choice.

Maurice: From Roman Mauricius from Maurus meaning “Moor.” Maurice has both an ancient Roman feel from Emperor Maurice plus medieval French ties via 12th century crusader knight Maurice de Craon. Unique, yet clearly French.

Michel: French spelling of Michael meaning “Who is like God?” used since medieval times. Simple and steadfast, yet the “ch” ending adds European flare. Famous artists Michelangelo and Michel de Montaigne give it creative overtones.